The Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2026

The Quick and Dirty: When one pant has to handle big miles, surprise weather, and the occasional off trail detour without feeling restrictive, the Ferrosi delivers, just know the back pockets run small and it is not a true tank.

If you find yourself wearing the same pair of pants while hiking in the morning and running errands downtown in the evening, they’re probably winners. It’s rare to find clothes that hit the equilibrium of comfortable yet technical, lightweight but durable, and weather-resistant yet breathable, but the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants ($99) nail it.

These barely register on you, but instill confidence through inclement weather and rough terrain. They clock in at a scant 10.7 ounces and cram down to the size of a softball, but have held up over many miles, and some significant off-trail bushwhacking.

When we say the Ferrosi Pants are comfy, we mean we often choose these over sweatpants while curling up for a movie. Their movement-mirroring elasticity is truly a wonder, and they feel like extensions of your legs as you vault over downed trees or navigate boulder-strewn river beds. The articulated knees, brushed waistband, and drawcord cuff adjustments boost the pants’ versatility and comfort.

We wore these pants on a recent backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon and were greatly impressed by their ability to shed light precipitation while maintaining a high level of breathability as we slogged our way out of the great ditch. Often, you’ll find that pants will excel at one or the other, but rarely both.

These are admittedly hard to criticize. If you’re looking for bomb-proof invincibility, you’d be better off with something on the tougher (but heavier) end of the spectrum. But at such a lightweight, the 90-denier stretch-woven nylon fabric holds its own on taxing adventures.

We found the back pockets to be a little on the small side, and we couldn’t close the zipper around something like an iPhone (only one is zippered) as we could with the KÜHL Radikl Pants. However, the front pockets and single-zippered hip pocket on the OR Ferrosi Pants are plenty spacious and thoughtfully placed.

As some of the best-fitting pants we’ve had the pleasure of testing, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants secured a spot at the top of this list for their premium comfort, solid durability, and overall stellar design. If you’re looking for an ultralight, reliable option for extended backpacking excursions, don’t pass these by.

The Quick and Dirty: Clean, comfy, and legitimately capable for the price, the Trailmade is the easy recommendation for everyday hikes and travel, with small mesh pockets, tiny belt loops, and limited rain performance as the main compromises.

The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants ($69) are one of the best-fitting pants in this review. We really like the slender (not slim) fit and how the pants look and feel. They are extremely comfortable, and we were equally cozy hiking all day in them or lounging around the house in a pair of slippers.

One of the first things we noticed when these pants showed up in the mail was the sharp-looking accent pocket. The teal pocket zip on the darker blue pants gave the thigh a nice pop of color that looks great. The pocket is just the right size for a fat wallet, cellphone, or energy bar. We also appreciate the internal drawcord’s simplicity as an effective way to make micro-adjustments to the waist without adding a belt.

We hiked high peaks in Colorado, along the beach in Mexico, through flower-filled fields in the Tetons, and along the coast in Alaska to discover that pants don’t have to cost a ton to function well, look good, and provide protection from the wind, light rain, mosquitoes, and sun.

Note that while these do have a DWR coating, if you live in a wet climate like the Pacific Northwest, where hiking in the rain is a regular part of most hikes, these might not be a great option. On a couple of hikes in Alaska and the Tetons, where it was pouring, these pants soaked through pretty quickly, unlike a couple of others on the list, like the OR Ferrosi Pants, which are more waterproof.

The Trailmades did, however, dry extremely quickly once the sun came out. So, if your main goal is to provide some sun protection along with an additional layer to protect your legs from the occasional bit of bushwhacking, then this is a solid choice.

If you hike in warmer climates and want a lightweight, simple, but well-designed pair of pants without many extra features to complicate the design, then take a look at the Trailmade Pants. Plus, with a price tag of only $69, you’ll be able to spend more time outside and less time working!

Read Review: Trail Performance, Loungewear Comfort: Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants Review

The Quick and Dirty: If comfort and mobility matter as much as durability, the Alpine Light nails the balance with a secure waist closure and four way stretch, but shallow pockets can be frustrating for phone carrying.

Black Diamond’s roots are in technical climbing gear. They’ve taken what they’ve learned on the mountain to make some of the finest outdoor apparel available. The Alpine Light ($125) speaks to its years of experience, and the overall merits are in its restrained design.

Instead of a belt, the pants fasten with a G-hook that sits off-center and catches on ladder webbing sewn into the waist. Both Arc’teryx and Seadon use a similar G-hook belt closure, but Black Diamond’s solution is the most secure implementation of the three.

The drawcord around the ankles locks into a slot, pinching the elastic cord. Unlike other pants with drawcords, you can’t pull it with one hand, but the concept is light and the most minimal setup we tested, significantly reducing bulk around the ankles.

For stretch and durability, the material is a combination of nylon and elastane, whose qualities start to shine once you veer off the map. Beyond the trail, you need pants that move with you, deflecting rock and scrub. That’s what terrain Black Diamond feels most comfortable in, and that’s where the Alpine Light delivers.

They have a four-way stretch woven fabric that is water resistant, lightweight, and incredibly durable for its weight. After months of testing, it looks nearly new.

The pants have five pockets (two hand and two rear drop-in pockets, with a fifth pocket on the lower right leg). The front pockets aren’t very deep, and the thigh pocket sits low against the knee. This is designed to stay clear of a climbing harness.

If you like to carry lots of items in your pant pockets — particularly a phone in that thigh pocket — this could be a dealbreaker, and you’ll want to look at the Vidda Pro Ventilated Pants instead. If the thigh pocket were better positioned, we would have awarded the Alpine Light our choice for the best hiking pants overall.

The Alpine Light is available in general sizes (S, M, L, and XL), with inseams scaling from 31.5 to 33.5 inches. The waist sizing trends small, so if you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing up.

Read Review: Hiking Pants That Do It All: Patagonia Quandary Pants Review

The Quick and Dirty: A solid workhorse for hot sunny hikes and year round layering, the Quandary keeps things light, flexible, and affordable, though pocketing is minimal and the thin build is not the most protective off trail.

The Patagonia Quandary Pants ($99) are a popular, affordable workhorse that has been a staple in the hiking and travel community for a while. And, for good reason. They’re a solid crossover piece for backcountry performance and front-country style alike. But, don’t let the low price tag and relatively thin fabric fool you — these pants can throw down and hold up well to some serious torture on long hikes.

This model boasts some of our favorite features for hiking pants, with articulated knees, a gusseted crotch, breathable fabric, and a DWR coating with a 40+ UPF rating. For hot, big-mile days in the sun, the Quandary Pants crush it. But, they’re also sturdy enough for winter. Wear them with a baselayer underneath for total adaptability across seasons.

We appreciate the flexibility they offer, but the fit was a bit tight around the waist and thighs. If you’ve been focusing on leg day in the gym, see if you can try these on first before whipping out your wallet, or try another more generous-fitting pair of pants like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants.

Though the Quandary Pants don’t have many venting features, the light, thin fabric felt more breathable than many of the pants we tried, so the lack of venting wasn’t an issue. A moisture-absorbing mesh liner at the waistband helps keep sweat buildup at bay. A zippered pocket on the back and a small zippered thigh pocket help you safely stash essentials, but we would appreciate another bigger zippered front pocket for keeping a phone or other essentials handy while hiking or climbing.

Whether you’re seeking comfort for a big day in the mountains, durability for an off-trail slog, or style for a casual stroll around town, the Quandary Pants are a great versatile option for a variety of adventures.

Read Review: One Pair, Double Duty: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants Review

The Quick and Dirty: The Sahara is the choose one pair solution for trips with big temperature swings, thanks to fast zip off legs and great shorts, even if the pant fit looks a little awkward through the thighs.

We love the utility of a good pair of convertible pants, particularly when hiking in places where the weather might change from sunny and 70s to windy and 40s in a short period of time. On one of our first outings in the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants ($79), we went on a long hiking/backcountry fishing trip at a high alpine lake in the Colorado Rockies located at almost 13,000 feet.

Over the course of the day, from the hike in the morning to the hike out late in the afternoon, the temperature changed significantly, and we found ourselves changing from pants to shorts and back to pants a number of times. The convenience of this option, while providing a bit of extra sun and wind protection, was much appreciated.

Unfortunately, after 20 (?) years, it seems that the curse of convertible pants — dorky fit and style — still hasn’t been sorted out. Although we love the versatility of zip-off pants, they always seem to fit awkwardly in the thighs where the pant legs zip on/off.

The shorts portion of the Sahara looks great, but once the pant legs are added to the mix, the fit just looks a bit odd. We hope REI or someone else will figure out how to make a pair of convertible pants that look great as both shorts and pants one day. We thought Kuhl had it figured out with the Renegade Convertible, but in 2025, they changed their design and removed the zipper at the bottom of the pants, so you have to take off your boots to turn them into shorts.

Setting aside our ego and how we look, we did appreciate the ease of attaching and detaching the pant legs, particularly when doing it in inclement weather or when it’s windy. In the past, this often involved a lot of awkward hopping around on one leg and a good bit of frustration.

REI simplified this with color-coded thigh zippers to differentiate the right leg from the left, and they also added full side zips on the legs to make them just a little easier to get on and off.

If you have limited space and want a single pair of hiking pants or shorts for a backpacking trip or overseas travel, we highly recommend the Sahara Convertibles.

The Quick and Dirty: For brush, rock, mud, and long term abuse, the Vidda Pro Ventilated is built to outlast the plan, with useful vents and mountain ready features, but you pay in weight and price.

If you are looking for an incredibly durable pair of hiking pants that will last for a long time, then look no further than the Fjällräven Vidda Pro Ventilated Trousers ($180).

When these pants arrived in the mail, the first thing we noticed was the very heavy-duty look and feel. Along with the pants was a letter from Martin Axelhed, Fjällräven CEO. This line from the letter stood out: “They are designed to last for decades of use, to be passed on to the next generation or re-sold on the secondhand market. This way, fewer products need to be produced, less energy needs to be consumed, and fewer products will end up as waste.”

Although we haven’t had a chance to test these pants for decades, we suspect they’ll still be going strong many years from now with little signs of wear.

Based on the heavy-duty fabric, we were initially a bit skeptical of the breathability. Every time we hiked in warmer conditions or days when the humidity was a bit up, we expected to overheat quickly, but were pleasantly surprised. The side vent half-zippers and the ventilated, stretch crotch make a big difference. While we don’t think these should be your go-to hiking pants for desert backpacking trips, they do well in most other conditions and will shine in colder weather.

The Vidda Pro Ventilated Pants are packed with a lot of extra features that are practical and improve the overall quality. For hikers that live in the mountains or on the East Coast or the Pacific Northwest when late spring and early summer hiking often involve snow and mud, the strap adjustment at the leg to tighten up the fit around the top of your hiking boots and the laces keeper hook are a nice feature — particularly if you don’t feel like wearing gaiters every time you go out for a short hike.

The three oversized pockets and the smaller knife pocket are also nice additions. Even when we filled the pockets with a cellphone, car keys, and snacks, the pants still fit well.

Finally, it’s worth noting that every single time we wore these pants, we received positive comments from passersby on the trail. Whether we were deep in the backcountry or walking to the local pizza restaurant after a hike, we regularly got comments like, “Wow, those are cool-looking pants. Who makes those?” or “Those look really durable. Do you like them?” Fjällräven makes a quality-looking pair of pants, and folks notice them.

If you are an ultralight purist and have spreadsheets of the weight of every piece of gear you take on a backpacking trip, then these probably aren’t the first pair of hiking pants you’ll choose; you’ll prefer to go with an ultralight option like the Rab Incline Light Pants.

But if you want a beefy pair of pants that will last for many years and have a number of thoughtful features that improve rather than detract from the overall quality, then take a look at the Vidda Pros.

Read Review: Darn-Near Perfect Pants, Made With Recycled Plastic: LIVSN EcoTrek Review

The Quick and Dirty: A pocket lovers dream with secure zips, bomber hardware, and athletic stretch for warm weather hiking and travel, the Ecotrek falls short mainly in wet conditions since the DWR is negligible.

The LIVSN’s Ecotrek Trail Pant ($139) takes the brand’s tough DNA and trims it into a lighter, stretchier, more athletic package that works for hiking, climbing, and warm weather travel. The pocket layout is the headline, with seven total that feel purposeful rather than fussy: zippered rear pockets for peace of mind, a sleek horizontal zip pocket off the left thigh for a wallet or small gadgets, mesh hand pockets with coin sleeves, a hidden zip pocket inside the left hand pocket for a phone, and a reinforced multitool pocket on the right thigh that can handle repeated clip use.

The small details keep stacking up. The fabric moves quietly and easily on big step ups, helped by a gusseted crotch and articulated knees. A metal button is backed with a leather patch for extra security, and the waistband includes belt loops plus a hidden internal drawcord for days you forget a belt. Reinforced cuffs and wear zones add durability, and the stitching is confidence inspiring, including overlocked seams and a flat felled inseam.

The tradeoff is weather protection. The fabric breathes well, but the DWR is not especially robust, so these are not the pants to count on in sustained rain or soggy conditions. When heat builds, the legs roll up and secure under a buttoned strap with reflective tape. Add in Oceanflex fabric made from 70% recycled fishing buoys and recycled zipper tape, and the Ecotrek stands out as a thoughtfully built pant for long, fast days and travel heavy seasons.

The Quick and Dirty: At under eight ounces, the Incline Light is the packable just in case pant that still hikes like a champ, but the slim cut can feel tight and the featherweight fabric will not love hard bushwhacks.

Cramming down to roughly the size of a softball, the slim-fitting, mega-stretchy Rab Incline Light Pants ($95) should snag some real estate in any pack you load up for an adventure. At 7.9 ounces and under $100, why wouldn’t you bring ’em along? But their allure doesn’t stop at weight and price. Boasting stellar mobility, phenomenal next-to-skin comfort, and a thoughtful design, these pants are ready for any number of wild escapades.

The long-length gusseted crotch affords more freedom of movement than most pants we tested and has a unique design extending down to just above the knee. Articulated knees contribute to these pants’ mobility, and we had little issue tackling technical terrain on long hikes or light bushwhacks.

We love a slim fit in our hiking pants, but these are just a tad too slim in a few areas for our preference, namely around the thighs and hips. For folks with larger legs, we’d recommend sizing up.

We love how packable the Incline Lights are. They roll up to a minuscule size and have consequently become some of our favorite “just in case” pants to throw in on any trip we find ourselves on. This isn’t to say they don’t rise to the task as standalone hiking pants in the backcountry; however, their ultralight nature does dock some durability points. They won’t hold up to the same level of torture as beefier softshell models like the Helly Hansen Blaze listed below.

Two zippered side pockets, one zippered back pocket, and a single zippered thigh pocket round out its simple feature set, which is just about perfect for us. We appreciate having zippers on each pocket, as it means any trinket we tote around will stay secure while we wander about. We do wish that there were drawcord cuff adjustments, but Rab had to cut weight somehow.

As some of the lightest pants on this roundup, the Incline Lights will hold up to miles of wear and tear without weighing you down. They’ll disappear in your luggage as backup pants for longer trips, or serve you well as standalone workhorses on ultralight backpacking missions. Trust us — you won’t be disappointed.

The Quick and Dirty: Built for rugged mountain days, the Keb blends protective fabric with stretch panels and excellent venting, yet the heavier feel and extra warmth make it overkill for hot low elevation hikes.

Built for demanding backcountry adventures, the Fjallraven Keb Trousers ($240) excel where typical hiking pants fall short. We tested them by scrambling through alpine talus, bushwhacking off-trail, and carrying heavy loads on a circumnavigation of Mont Blanc, and they never faltered. The smart combination of Fjallraven’s signature G-1000 fabric in high-wear areas and breathable stretch panels elsewhere provides a great balance of durability, mobility, and comfort.

The fit is precise without feeling tight, and technical features like zippered thigh-to-knee vents, reinforced knees, and integrated boot hooks make them ideal for rugged mountain missions. Articulated knees and plenty of pocket space also boost their all-day practicality, whether you’re climbing, moving through dense terrain, or setting up camp.

They are heavier than most hiking pants, and the sturdy fabric can feel too warm on hot summer days or at low elevations. But when you’re exploring tough alpine environments or need pants that won’t give out when the terrain gets rough, the Keb Trousers more than prove their worth.

They’re not cheap, but for serious adventurers, they’re a smart, long-lasting investment.  

The Quick and Dirty: When wind and light rain are part of the forecast, the Activator is the dependable shoulder season softshell that still breathes and stretches, as long as you bring a belt and skip peak summer heat.

Designed for dynamic weather and active pursuits, the REI Co-op Activator Pants ($99) blend weather resistance, stretch, and all-day comfort.

These softshell-style pants strike a rare balance between stretch, weather resistance, and breathability. We’ve worn them on spring slogs in Wyoming’s Teton Range and blustery fall hikes in the Pacific Northwest. They shed light rain and wind impressively while remaining flexible and comfortable on the move.

The stretchy, Bluesign-approved fabric blends durability with mobility, using just enough spandex for unrestricted movement on steep trails. The low-profile waistband fits comfortably under a hip belt. Zippered pockets keep essentials secure, and the standard fit runs true to size, leaving room for a thin base layer.

There’s no built-in waist adjustment, so you’ll need to bring a belt to dial in the fit. They’re too heavy for hot-weather hiking and not insulated enough for deep winter, but they thrive in the shoulder seasons and alpine zones where changing conditions are the norm.

The Activator Pants are a dependable, well-priced pick offering solid weather resistance, plenty of stretch, and a comfortable fit. Just don’t forget your belt.

The Quick and Dirty: Light, airy, and fast drying with easy waist adjustment and secure pockets, the Runbold IV is a warm weather mileage machine, but it offers little weather resistance and the pocket mesh is not the toughest.

The Swiss company Mammut has been making high-quality products for the mountains for over 160 years, and the Mammut Runbold IV Pants ($119) are no exception. At 9.4 ounces, the Runbold IV Pants are one of the lightest pairs on our list. As a result, they feel airy, breathe well, and dry extremely fast if they get damp. Made of 4-way stretch material, they match our every move, whether we’re jumping over logs, scrambling up cliffs, or strolling along a lake.

One of our favorite features is the Velcro tabs at the waist, which allow for easy fit adjustments. When backpacking, wearing a belt under a heavy pack isn’t always comfortable, so having the option to quickly adjust the fit with these tabs is an excellent addition. The Velcro tabs allow for significant adjustment in the fit, and even when cranked down, the pants don’t bunch awkwardly or have weird gaps at the waist.

These pants arrived in late fall as the first huge winter storm rolled through the Rockies, and we were transitioning from hiking/backpacking season into ski season. As a result, they got a lot of action in the office for the first few months, and we regularly got comments about our ‘sharp-looking trousers’. When we started hiking more in spring, they became our go-to on warm weather days, so they made the shortlist for an extended road trip to Baja, where we hiked a range of trails from summits to seashores.

Though these pants dry quickly, they’re not wind or water-resistant. Since they offer limited weather resistance overall, they’re not ideal for shoulder season or cold weather hikes. And even in summer, you’ll want to bring along rain pants just in case. The athletic fit walks the line between slim and regular; if you have big mountain leg muscles, the legs may feel a tad tight.

Our tester is tall and lanky, so he loved the way these fit, so we recommend trying them on before you buy. Another small spot for improvement: the mesh inside the pockets. We appreciate having so many zippered pockets, but the mesh inside caught on items and lacks durability. Replacing the mesh with solid fabric would be ideal.

If you’re looking for lightweight, technical pants that shine on warm summer hikes or alpine adventures, the Mammut Runbolds are for you.

The Quick and Dirty: If durability is the north star, the Gamma is a nearly bombproof softshell with excellent stretch for climbing and nasty terrain, with the steep price and lower breathability as the obvious tradeoffs.

We’ve been wearing an original version of this pant for nearly 20 years, taking it rock climbing, mountaineering, bushwhacking, spring crud skiing, and cross-country running. The pocket zipper has pulled off, and the DWR has worn away, but the pant material is still — by nearly every measure — as good as new. They’re virtually bombproof.

The Arc’teryx Gamma Pants ($180) — previously known as the Gamma LT — has only improved in the years since its inception. Arc’teryx has put a cord inside the pant hem, updated the belt, and sewn in a thigh map pocket. It has seen a recent upgrade in materials, but it still brings four-way stretch with snag-proof protection and now has a more comfortable skin-facing side.

Unfortunately, the price is nearly twice that of the other pants on the list. Breathability is low, and the fabric is fairly noisy. But these are acceptable sacrifices for more vertical endeavors, particularly hiking and climbing in wet conditions. If you’d prefer to spend a bit less and get an equally stretchy but lighter, less noisy option, give the Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants a look.

The Quick and Dirty: For trail to town days that start at work and end at the trailhead, the Renegade Recon looks sharp and stays comfortable without a belt, but it wets out fast and often hits short unless you size the inseam carefully.

Need pants that seamlessly transport you from work to the trailhead for a quick evening hike? Then look no further. The KÜHL Renegade Recon Pants ($99) are a great choice. They look amazing, fit well, hold their shape, and don’t sag, thanks to the elastic waist. Plus, we love not having to wear a belt, especially when our adventures call for a heavy backpack or a harness.

Although the Renegade Recon Pants claim to have water repellency and be quick-drying, we were a bit disappointed the first time we put this to the test. We were on a short hike in the Colorado Rockies on a day when the weather looked ominous.

About a mile from the trailhead, it started lightly sprinkling and then became a steady light rain. Within 10 minutes, the pants were totally soaked through, and our legs were cold and wet. Even after a 20-minute drive with the car heater on full, our legs were still damp when we arrived home. If you live and hike in wetter climes, a faster-drying option like the REI Trailmade Pants will better meet your needs.

When choosing your inseam size, make sure to take note of the intended fit according to the Kuhl website and sizing guide. Under tapered fit, they mention that the “style is meant to hit at the ankle; the actual inseam will measure 1.5″ shorter than the inseam selected.” If you don’t want a pair of hiking pants that feel like you are rocking a high-water look, then consider ordering a longer inseam.

Once we dialed in the fit, we enjoyed wearing these for sunny day hikes in Colorado. If you’re looking for a sharp-looking pair of hiking pants that you can wear to a staff meeting with a polo or button-up and then go straight to the trailhead for an afternoon or evening hike, then take a look at the KÜHL Renegade Recon Pants ($99).

The Quick and Dirty: A rugged, canvas leaning pant that cleans up well for dinner after the hike, the AP Active is best for cooler days and rougher terrain, since it runs warm and is not made for fast and light missions.

We’ve worn the Mountain Hardwear AP Active Pants ($99) on everything from long ridge scrambles on Beartooth Pass to post-hike dinners in Jackson after big days in the Tetons, and they’ve never felt out of place.

The heavier fabric has a rugged, canvas-like feel that holds up well on the trail but still breathes better than expected on cool to mild days. The stretch is subtle but effective, and articulated knees keep movement unrestricted whether we’re climbing, biking, or tossing them on for a travel day.

What really stands out is the balance of function and style. These look sharp enough to wear straight to dinner after a hike, but they’re burly enough to handle talus, treefall, and full days on your feet. The tapered cut walks the line between tailored and practical.

They’re not the most breathable or technical option out there, and they run warm in hot weather. We wouldn’t pack them for mid-summer slogs or fast-and-light alpine pushes, but they’re a staple for shoulder-season adventures and everyday wear.